tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714409549377400792018-03-19T12:09:39.174-07:00growmamaGrowMama is the lifestyle blog of Anissa Ljanta, a New Zealand based mama, writer and crafter.
The GrowMama blog is my happy place. Where I share things that inspire me.
A little bit of everything beautiful, growing, inspiring, sustainable, crafting, giveaways,
and parenting, with a nod to my love of all things vintage, a splash of political feistiness and tools to live a juicy life thrown into the mix.
anissa ljantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03037312457171874579noreply@blogger.comBlogger914125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171440954937740079.post-87946274682751893792018-02-28T19:04:00.000-08:002018-02-28T19:04:02.016-08:00Green goddess dressing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w9WyTkk4CL0/WpdrGrfa9oI/AAAAAAAAIsM/YldtWJSCjR0OTa1J7DEeg7HuBH7rv9f6gCLcBGAs/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w9WyTkk4CL0/WpdrGrfa9oI/AAAAAAAAIsM/YldtWJSCjR0OTa1J7DEeg7HuBH7rv9f6gCLcBGAs/s400/017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Introducing&nbsp;this week’s culinary highlight. I have tried making variations of the Green Goddess dressing many times over the years but none as good as this one.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It’s a landmark day folks. Gwyneth Paltrow and Julia Turshen’s cookbook, It’s All Good, strikes again. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I would never have combined basil and coriander leaf, but in that mix of ingredients, it totally works. Even the resident fussy person likes it. And chose to dip his sausage rolls in it instead of tomato sauce, so that’s a massive stamp of approval.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It’s been used as a salad dressing, dip, sandwich spread and as part of a garnish so far. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I didn’t have all the ingredients in the house, so I tweaked it slightly. I only hope I can recreate the finished product.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It lasts a week in the fridge and is likely to become a kitchen staple. So good!</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Green Goddess dressing</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">10 basil leaves</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3 tablespoon chopped chives</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 tablespoon coriander leaf</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/4 cup Italian parsley</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Leaves from tarragon sprig&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 spring onions, roughly chopped</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 ripe avocado</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/4 cup vegenaise&nbsp;or mayonnaise</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 tablespoons honey or xylitol</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 tablespoons white wine vinegar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Juice of a lemon (approx 1/4 cup)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3 tablespoons olive oil</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/4 cup water</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">sea salt and pepper to season</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Er, Julia and Gywneth&nbsp;give step by step instructions (and you can google those if you want 'em!) but I just chuck everything in the blender, hit 'BLEND' and call it done.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">xx</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>anissa ljantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03037312457171874579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171440954937740079.post-9153197097147273352018-02-13T01:13:00.002-08:002018-02-13T01:13:30.182-08:00Validation Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GeF5bSCFQn8/WoKg_yZGtJI/AAAAAAAAIro/jIiciwKzD5UZZbM-Uei3cY7T7iFFpyLIwCLcBGAs/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GeF5bSCFQn8/WoKg_yZGtJI/AAAAAAAAIro/jIiciwKzD5UZZbM-Uei3cY7T7iFFpyLIwCLcBGAs/s320/045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I talk about <a href="https://www.twinoaks.org/" target="_blank">Twin Oaks Community</a>, I still say 'we'. A part of me is still there I think. I still have dear friends still living at Twin Oaks. I talk about life there because communal living is rich in lessons on how to live more sustainably, the importance of art and activism in daily life and sharing resources. I have given many talks on Twin Oaks and workshops on Creating Healthy Culture, and one of the stories I find myself telling over and over again, is about the culture at Twin Oaks. One&nbsp;overt hijacking of popular culture at Twin Oaks is Validation Day.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow (in the Southern Hemisphere) is February 14th, Valentines Day. At Twin Oaks, it's Validation Day.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A&nbsp;few weeks ago communards signed up to make cards for each other. These are no ordinary cards. They are works of art, many pages long. The cards sit in a box in Zhankoye, the main kitchen/dining/living room building, and people take time to write messages of validation in each one. The idea is that even if two people have been clashing over business decisions or personal issues they can still access things they value about the other person. Life is busy and lived full-tilt at Twin Oaks, I reckon one year in the commune is worth three in the outside world, and it is easy to let the months and years roll by without stopping to reflect and really appreciate fellow communards. Even those you share a house with.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow night there will be a glorious feast and after everyone has eaten and gathered in the main dining room an MC will read excerpts out of Validation Day cards and the crowd makes wild guesses about whose card it is. Then the recipient goes up to collect their card. It's touching and fun and is the perfect lead up to the Validation Day party later that night. Folks get dressed up, the kissing booth may make an appearance, there is a dating game for those who want to be involved. Wild dancing ensues. Quite possibly to an in-house band. There are about 100 people resident at Twin Oaks, plus visitors and various ex-members stopping by so it's no small thing.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have one surviving Validation Day card and it's one of my most treasured possessions. I pulled it out this week and realised&nbsp;it's the best of antidotes to impostor syndrome. It made me miss my tribe there. And the land. I look forward to taking my boy one day. I'm not into the commercialism of Valentine's Day but I miss Validation Day.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Also, an aside - Two of the most amazing people I know were born on February 14th. Happy Birthday Tobias and Willow!&nbsp;</i></span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />anissa ljantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03037312457171874579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171440954937740079.post-8759977326232416252018-02-10T22:56:00.001-08:002018-02-10T22:56:53.627-08:00The aftermath of floods<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYSr76nKdqs/Wn_inQvELFI/AAAAAAAAIrY/DNseEaY_hWkJlgvIP4VzvDwI86izm2GhQCLcBGAs/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYSr76nKdqs/Wn_inQvELFI/AAAAAAAAIrY/DNseEaY_hWkJlgvIP4VzvDwI86izm2GhQCLcBGAs/s400/033.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />This time last week I was up to my knees in silt and debris at a friends place, cleaning up after a big flood. The stream in their valley broke it's banks. Those banks are at least 2-3 metres high. It was impressive. Cars got swamped, houses went under and my friend's half-pipe skateboard ramp was picked up, moved 5 metres and smashed into two pieces. The power of the water is awe-inspiring, and upsetting for those whose lives get caught up in it. Community spirit was out in force the next day though, with people turning up with tools and trailers to help clean up. That was pretty cool.<br /><br />It made me realise how much energy I spent preparing for flooding, keeping an eye on the stream levels and cleaning up debris after floods at our old house. The stream was a joy most of the time, but it was only a few metres from the front door. Both of us are still deeply sad to have been moved on from our old place (it's now an Air bnb) but I won't miss the floods. One of the perks to living in our little house on the hill. No floods and oh, the sunsets!<br /><br />The weather packed it in again today. We're back on cyclone alert with massive rainfall expected. We've gone from unusually high summer temperatures - up into the thirties, centigrade - to our usual twenties and the humidity is sky high. My least favourite weather. Our outing got cancelled today and we ended up mooching at home. Which was&nbsp;perfect. I was out at a&nbsp;concert on Friday night and the boy was sleeping over at a friends house in town. We were texting back and forth at 1am, with the younger of us unable to get to sleep. A bit of restful mooching time at home was just the thing this morning. We visited some friends in the afternoon and delivered dinner and freshly baked ginger biscuits to another friend whose very unwell. It was just the right ratio of mooch:peopling. I hope your Sunday was all you needed too.anissa ljantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03037312457171874579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171440954937740079.post-46255091601694287672018-01-25T17:58:00.001-08:002018-01-25T17:58:53.394-08:00Taking stock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-43-uiq3RsGE/WmqCVsCxCQI/AAAAAAAAIrE/GQHb2u-Aj4INk7jyshJCLua0fbvJ9V0_QCLcBGAs/s1600/20171129_161446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-43-uiq3RsGE/WmqCVsCxCQI/AAAAAAAAIrE/GQHb2u-Aj4INk7jyshJCLua0fbvJ9V0_QCLcBGAs/s400/20171129_161446.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taking inspiration from Pip (over <a href="http://meetmeatmikes.com/taking-stock-january-2/" target="_blank">HERE</a>) in taking stock:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #242424; line-height: 107%;">Making: </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #242424; line-height: 107%;">the <a href="https://fancytigercrafts.com/products/fen-printed-pattern" target="_blank">Fen dress</a>. Longsleeved this time, in a navy linen I’ve had stashed for the just the right pattern.</span>&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><br /><span style="background: white; font-weight: bold;">Cooking : </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #242424; line-height: 107%;">lasagne. The ingredients were out on the bench but we stayed too long at the beach (again) yesterday so it was a late night cooking session and dinner is made for tonight. I am amused at how happy I am to already have dinner sorted at 2.51pm.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><br /><span style="background: white; font-weight: bold;">Drinking : </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #242424; line-height: 107%;">Corona beer with lemon wedge on the deck while watching the sunset -last night.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><br /><span style="background: white; font-weight: bold;">Reading: </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #242424; line-height: 107%;">Marie Kondo’s<b> </b></span><b><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;">‘T</span></b><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;">he life-changing&nbsp;art of tidying up. Which will make some people laugh. I finally succumbed to the hype after I read an inspiring quote and I learned it was pulled from her book<span style="background: white;">. I’m on page two.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;"><br /><b>Next read</b>:I want to finish <a href="http://www.jamiecatto.com/" target="_blank">Jamie Catto</a>’s book, Insanely Gifted. I met him years ago in France and now Stephen Fry says he adores him. The man is wise, in a real sort of a way.&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><br /><b><span style="background: white;">Wanting: </span></b><span style="background: white;">to own my own home one day. To quote my son: Renting in NZ means you are only ever three months away from being homeless.&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><br /><span style="background: white; font-weight: bold;">Looking: </span><span style="background: white;">forward to the Folk Festival this weekend. A friend and I are on the homepage…can you spot us?</span></span>&nbsp;<span style="color: #242424;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://aucklandfolkfestival.co.nz/" target="_blank">HERE</a></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><br /><span style="background: white; font-weight: bold;">Playing: </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #242424; line-height: 107%;">Dar Williams and Voices on the Verge. Comfort music. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGIIu7T-uN4" target="_blank">I love this one.</a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><br /><span style="background: white; font-weight: bold;">Deciding: </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #242424; line-height: 107%;">focus of work life this year.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><br /><span style="background: white; font-weight: bold;">Wishing: </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #242424; line-height: 107%;">for wide open days to write in so I can finish my book<b> </b>without getting distracted. Ha.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><br /><b><span style="background: white;">Enjoying: </span></b><span style="background: white;">summer and epic 3 hour swims with friends.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><br /><b><span style="background: white;">Waiting: </span></b><span style="background: white;">to see what 2018 will bring. Some friends have had a rough entry into 2018 and since last year was a shocker for me, I am intending 2018 to be super duper and awesome.&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><br /><span style="background: white; font-weight: bold;">Liking: </span><span style="background: white;">more in real life and less posts on facebook…I had a week off social media over the festive season and got so much writing done and felt so much more my usual positive self.<b>&nbsp;</b></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><b><br /><span style="background: white;">Wondering: </span></b><span style="background: white;">about suicide. A much loved friend took her own life last week and<b> </b></span>I am thinking a lot about what kind of friend I am and how I can be a better friend. <b>&nbsp;</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><b><br /><span style="background: white;">Loving: </span></b><span style="background: white;">$1.50 rock melons and $2 blueberry punnets – yup, still raving about them.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><br /><b><span style="background: white;">Pondering: </span></b><span style="background: white;">the unkindness that is rampant on social media and how I can make my peace with that.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><br /><span style="background: white; font-weight: bold;">Considering: </span><span style="background: white;">just how much work raising an orphaned baby hedgehog is.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><br /><span style="background: white; font-weight: bold;">Buying: </span><span style="background: white;">summer fruit and a new Bare Minerals mascara, my last one cracked all the down the side. So annoying, those things usually last me ages.&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><br /><span style="background: white; font-weight: bold;">Watching: </span><span style="background: white;">DVD’s. So oldschool I know, but we are on community internet with only 40GB a month so no streaming for us. I just watched Hidden Figures.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;"><b> </b></span><b><br /><span style="background: white;">Next watch:</span></b><span style="background: white;"> Ladybird. A local screening. Can’t wait!</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.branchshop.com/"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #242424;"><br /></span> </span></a><span style="background: white; color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><b>Hoping: </b>To finish writing a chapter by this weekend.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><br /><span style="background: white; font-weight: bold;">Marvelling: </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #242424; line-height: 107%;">at our joint 2018 visioning – it’s up on the wall. The ten-year old put ‘kitten’ and a 'big screen TV’ up there amongst all the other other good stuff.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><br /><span style="background: white; font-weight: bold;">Cringing: </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #242424; line-height: 107%;">at Mike Hosking. He was being hideous about Te Reo Maori.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><br /><b><span style="background: white;">Needing: </span></b><span style="background: white;">a hug.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><br /><span style="background: white; font-weight: bold;">Questioning: </span><span style="background: white;">whether I could be a public person. I went public with a project recently and got a death threat within an hour.<b>&nbsp;</b></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><b><br /><span style="background: white;">Smelling: </span></b><span style="background: white;">Roses. I associate that scent with my nana – it always, always makes me feel better.<b>&nbsp;</b></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><b><br /><span style="background: white;">Wearing</span></b><span style="background: white;">:</span> a sundress over my togs (that’s swimsuit to you northern hemisphere folks!). I bought this dress off trademe and people always comment when I wear it. It’s a keeper.<b>&nbsp;</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #242424;"><br /></span> <span style="background: white;">Following: </span></b><span style="background: white;">the breeze in the house</span><b>. </b>We're in a heatwave.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="background: white; font-weight: bold;">Worrying: </span><span style="background: white;">a lot. And trying not to dammit.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="background: white; font-weight: bold;">Noticing: </span><span style="background: white;">the mynah birds have stopped nesting en masse every evening near my house. They were so loud but I had gotten used to them chattering. Now the silence is loud.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><b><span style="background: white;">Knowing: </span></b><span style="background: white;">I need to up my game in the cooking/meals department. One of these evenings when we get back from the beach late and I whip up another superfast meal my son is going to say ‘when can we go back to having proper dinners again?’ and I will feel stink. Like I did last summer and the summer before. Hence the lasagne.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="background: white; font-weight: bold;">Thinking: </span><span style="background: white;">about a new business idea that’s been popping up for years and won’t go away<b>.&nbsp;</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /><span style="background: white;">Admiring: </span></b><span style="background: white;">Pip’s new <a href="http://meetmeatmikes.com/taking-stock-january-2/" target="_blank">shiny green birkenstocks</a>. So chirpy!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="background: white; font-weight: bold;">Sorting</span><span style="background: white;">:</span> a box<b> </b>of office stuff that was still waiting for my attention since we moved 6 months ago. Ahem.<b>&nbsp;</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /><span style="background: white;">Getting: </span></b><span style="background: white;">quite a bit of work and reading done at skateparks this summer.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white;"><br /><b>Bookmarking</b>:&nbsp;The only bookmarking I do these days is manual. And it’s usually a decidedly unclassy receipt or library print out used as a book mark. Like, in an actual book. I do have a bunch of books on my kindle. Both me and my son have kindles but both admit to loving books more. He loves the smell of books, I love the heft of them.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="background: white; font-weight: bold;">Coveting: </span><span style="background: white;"><a href="https://www.funkis.com/clogs-sandals/667-funkis-clog-low-mia-veggie-mustard.html" target="_blank">THESE! </a>I do love clogs. And these are a happy mustard colour. I rest my case. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="background: white;">Disliking: </span></b><span style="background: white;">Unkindness and downright meanness.<b>&nbsp;</b></span>And really disliking how much of it I was seeing on social media.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="background: white; font-weight: bold;">Opening: </span><span style="background: white;">the window. It’s a hot summers evening. Thank goodness for screens on the window too. I can see 5 zillion mosquitoes and none of them can get in, mwah ha ha!</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><b><span style="background: white;">Giggling: </span></b><span style="background: white;">at animal antics. There are a bunch of them running around here.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="background: white; font-weight: bold;">Feeling: </span><span style="background: white;">content after an afternoon on the beach with friends, which makes a nice change from sad, which is how I am waking up every morning.<b>&nbsp;</b></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /><span style="background: white;">Snacking: </span></b><span style="background: white;">on chocolate which some lovely person left on my doorstep with some flowers a few days ago. Phoenix the dog found it first, but luckily I discovered his deceit before he’d eaten it.<b>&nbsp;</b></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /><span style="background: white;">Hearing: </span></b></span><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cicada’s and the distant roar of the surf.</span><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </b></span></span><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a template so you can take stock too, if you'd like:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="post-entry" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">Making :<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Cooking :<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Drinking :<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Reading:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Next read:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Wanting:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Looking:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Playing:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Deciding:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Wishing:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Enjoying:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Waiting:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Liking:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Wondering:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Loving:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Pondering:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Considering:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Buying:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Watching:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Next watch:<a data-unique-btn-id="50" href="http://www.branchshop.com/" style="color: #828282; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></a>Hoping:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Marvelling:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Cringing:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Needing:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Questioning:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Smelling:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Wearing:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Following:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Worrying:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Noticing:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Knowing:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Thinking:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Admiring:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Sorting:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Getting:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Bookmarking:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Coveting:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Disliking:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Opening:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Giggling:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Feeling:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Snacking:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Hearing:</div><div class="cresta-box-class" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><div class="shareaholic-canvas" data-app-id-name="post_below_content" data-app-id="13140812" data-app="share_buttons" data-link="http://meetmeatmikes.com/taking-stock-january-2/" data-summary="" data-title="Taking Stock for January" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><div class="shareaholic-canvas" data-app-id-name="post_below_content" data-app-id="13140820" data-app="recommendations" data-link="http://meetmeatmikes.com/taking-stock-january-2/" data-summary="" data-title="Taking Stock for January" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #242424; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;"></span></span></div><div class="post-share" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(229, 229, 229); border-top: 1px solid rgb(229, 229, 229); color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 38px 0px 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px;"></div>anissa ljantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03037312457171874579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171440954937740079.post-34542868909713895672018-01-22T00:27:00.000-08:002018-01-22T00:27:09.009-08:00summer tote<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8_g_H0nHMqE/WmBWa1kOwJI/AAAAAAAAIqY/Mb1Px1sjXv0w4hZ-vhvBZ33eIFHNzKOdwCLcBGAs/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8_g_H0nHMqE/WmBWa1kOwJI/AAAAAAAAIqY/Mb1Px1sjXv0w4hZ-vhvBZ33eIFHNzKOdwCLcBGAs/s320/049.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was hanging out with the amazing Alia Bland of <a href="http://www.thelittlebee.co.nz/ab/" target="_blank">Little Bee</a> the other day.&nbsp; I told her about the happy shirt I made as part of my plan to wrestle 2018 into being a great year, and she told me her theory. She reckons wearing bright colours just helps. With everything. Makes you more cheerful, influences your mood. You only have to look through <a href="http://www.thelittlebee.co.nz/gallery/" target="_blank">her work</a>&nbsp;to see Alia's love of colour.&nbsp; I used to wear a lot&nbsp;of bright colours&nbsp;but somehow the dark colours have crept in. When my son was little he used to complain when I wore all black and would beg me to change.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a thing for textiles, especially handwoven ones and couldn't resist this fabric when it was on sale at Spotlight a few months ago. I am very rarely in that store, but had nipped in to buy sewing machine needles and couldn't resist a quick look at the sales table. I had the ideal fabric in my stash for the lining and a new tote for summer whipped up nicely.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lots to be happy about now!</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rYsNM3iPo8k/WmBVn0F9MnI/AAAAAAAAIqQ/qyckg56QkEo3Ap288qEEnOj4c7fn-yZRgCLcBGAs/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rYsNM3iPo8k/WmBVn0F9MnI/AAAAAAAAIqQ/qyckg56QkEo3Ap288qEEnOj4c7fn-yZRgCLcBGAs/s320/051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />anissa ljantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03037312457171874579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171440954937740079.post-85486589205403281742018-01-18T01:10:00.000-08:002018-01-18T01:10:58.895-08:00The book with a $0.00 price tag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EVPXaTs6haI/WmBfRCr2QaI/AAAAAAAAIqo/H1pqKtgzAY0wKH7W3982M7HcQld-w72fwCLcBGAs/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EVPXaTs6haI/WmBfRCr2QaI/AAAAAAAAIqo/H1pqKtgzAY0wKH7W3982M7HcQld-w72fwCLcBGAs/s320/053.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #660000;">Have you seen this book? It was pretty trippy finding it on the shelf of the airport bookshop. It's price tag states $0.00. You decide how much to pay. The guy before me paid $1000! (I didn't pay that much.) It's Chapter one - You have the power to change stuff, by Daniel Flynn, one of the founders of Thank you in Australia. Sales are tracked on their website. <a href="https://au.thankyou.co/pages/chapter-one" target="_blank">Check it out!&nbsp;</a></span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">It's an honest account of how they persevered and built their Thank You empire - inspiring, frank, funny and all that passion and youthful stubborn determination is so refreshing. Plus the book is printed landscape, rather than the usual portrait style, which messes with people's heads on public transport, so extra entertainment there!</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cypgkfzy_Es/WmBfT1hsDqI/AAAAAAAAIqs/1d046ii6OuIuh4qblmnGNKqJQsfnzCmLwCLcBGAs/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cypgkfzy_Es/WmBfT1hsDqI/AAAAAAAAIqs/1d046ii6OuIuh4qblmnGNKqJQsfnzCmLwCLcBGAs/s320/055.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HYmfSQDblwc/WmBfh86tRJI/AAAAAAAAIq0/IARXjwsT2kAl2EwWcIL1odRb0iUMz_pJwCLcBGAs/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HYmfSQDblwc/WmBfh86tRJI/AAAAAAAAIq0/IARXjwsT2kAl2EwWcIL1odRb0iUMz_pJwCLcBGAs/s320/056.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />anissa ljantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03037312457171874579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171440954937740079.post-595062640007452032018-01-11T01:17:00.000-08:002018-01-11T01:17:41.766-08:00The happy shirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lddahFbK_Ek/WlMxlBGN2AI/AAAAAAAAIp8/OyA5ACxVjg0NMOD3yuNpt5Ty6x2SvAZOQCLcBGAs/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lddahFbK_Ek/WlMxlBGN2AI/AAAAAAAAIp8/OyA5ACxVjg0NMOD3yuNpt5Ty6x2SvAZOQCLcBGAs/s400/036.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #660000;">I took an unpaid week off work over the holiday period. It was so good! I took naps, I read whole books in one sitting, took long walks on the beach, swam, ate amazing food and hung out with the best of people. I felt rested for the first time in a very long time.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">I also sewed. I haven't done that in awhile.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">I made myself a happy shirt for 2018. I am determined to wring all sorts of deliciousness out of this year and what better place to start than a happy shirt?! I used a stunning vintage voile I have had for years. It was waiting for the right pattern. I got it right! I love it, the happy shirt is on high rotation - perfect for these hot days. Keeps the sun off but is light and cool to wear.&nbsp;</span><span style="color: #660000;">I used the long sleeved version of the&nbsp;</span><a href="https://fancytigercrafts.com/products/fen-printed-pattern" target="_blank">Fen pattern</a><span style="color: #660000;"> from Fancy Tiger Crafts. Such a great pattern. I have a dress and another shirt cut out and ready for some late night sewing. I have taken over the dining table with sewing projects. Good thing we also have a breakfast bar!</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">We also have a huge piece of cardboard with 2018 written in big block letters on our dining table. There's a big jar of coloured pencils next to it and we're filling the empty space with colourful&nbsp;words and dreams, envisioning the year to come. It's fun. I usually do this sort of thing myself but it's fun to share with my boy. Except he wrote kitten on there. Sigh. We would be an animal sanctuary if it were up to that one.&nbsp;</span><br /><br />anissa ljantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03037312457171874579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171440954937740079.post-47575003337735803822018-01-08T00:50:00.000-08:002018-01-08T00:50:20.457-08:00Summer fruit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HbJtbgiATWs/WlMsTC2fQtI/AAAAAAAAIps/Gb7g7vga4aU2sQ29on26vrRGZ2fovAG-QCLcBGAs/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HbJtbgiATWs/WlMsTC2fQtI/AAAAAAAAIps/Gb7g7vga4aU2sQ29on26vrRGZ2fovAG-QCLcBGAs/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #660000;">'Tis the season of summer fruit.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">Our fruit bowl is the place to be at the moment. The local fruit and vege&nbsp;shop had $1 rockmelon, honeydew and organic grapes this week. I loved the rockmelon so much. It brought back memories of many a breakfast in Europe. Plus, the younger of us doesn't like rockmelon so it was ALL MINE. I am questioning why I only bought one though. I mean, sure, I am watching the pennies, but really, saving $1?! Sigh.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">Cherries are down to $5.99 a kilo from $ 26.99 a kilo. Totally worth the wait! Blueberries are $2 a punnet and our favourite orchard is brimming with different varieties of plum fresh off the trees.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">The&nbsp;land around our new house has been lovingly planted with all sorts of fruit trees. So far we've picked oranges, lemons, grapefruit, raspberries, blackberries and crab apples. There are pomegranates, figs, guava's, loquats, nz&nbsp;cranberries, feijoas, blueberries and apple to come. We spotted a kiwifruit vine valiantly growing through a thicket of jasmine and I am super glad we've outsmarted the sheep and have secured the paddock gate.</span><br /><span style="color: #660000;">AND, I have my Nikon 3100 back in action so the image quality should be on the improve around here. Phew.</span><br /><br />anissa ljantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03037312457171874579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171440954937740079.post-68881795999961342482018-01-04T16:30:00.000-08:002018-01-04T16:31:08.956-08:00Camping marine reserve styles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D-3wqZBywm4/WkrP-O8AZoI/AAAAAAAAIpA/zAjaq_gfD7QKtz38nCprOV-qTLznPK98gCLcBGAs/s1600/20171213_202655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D-3wqZBywm4/WkrP-O8AZoI/AAAAAAAAIpA/zAjaq_gfD7QKtz38nCprOV-qTLznPK98gCLcBGAs/s400/20171213_202655.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I try to step out of the madness and go camping every year before Christmas. It gives a head start on summer and serves as our end-of-year celebration. We set up camp at a regional park which is enclosed by a sanctuary fence so it's rich with wildlife that is otherwise under threat (or just plain absent) due to predators on the rest of the non-park mainland. No mod cons, just a long drop toilet and a tap but you can hear kiwi at night, and every year we go there is some new wildlife sighted. One year we watched a pod of dolphins hunting down the coast, sometimes just metres away off the rocks. This year the kids found a good sized octopus who had set up house in a rock pool near the reef. She was there for a few days and it was super special to get up close to one. We unobtrusively (I hope) watched her change colour, change shape and just do her octopus thing. Octopi are so cool.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There were shrieks of excitement at finding <a href="http://www.marinelife.ac.nz/species/709" target="_blank">seahares</a>&nbsp;and I was stoked to see a clown nudibranch. Otherwise known as a disco slug. Those fluoro colours!&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xc5wSNVypH8/WkrQDWk_XII/AAAAAAAAIpI/t3qlce3DzOUvzN-wJyfRO1KSa16qxHAJgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171214_105229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xc5wSNVypH8/WkrQDWk_XII/AAAAAAAAIpI/t3qlce3DzOUvzN-wJyfRO1KSa16qxHAJgCLcBGAs/s400/20171214_105229.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />anissa ljantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03037312457171874579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171440954937740079.post-72226836167179676352018-01-01T17:59:00.001-08:002018-01-01T17:59:40.619-08:00Welcoming 2018 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2LwVoKIOF0M/WkrWRwFX_GI/AAAAAAAAIpc/6dZFq12f79kWUvDMZ1iX4yJsza7X8p-kgCLcBGAs/s1600/Me%2Bup%2Ba%2Btree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2LwVoKIOF0M/WkrWRwFX_GI/AAAAAAAAIpc/6dZFq12f79kWUvDMZ1iX4yJsza7X8p-kgCLcBGAs/s400/Me%2Bup%2Ba%2Btree.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My son took this photo of me. Me, up a tree on a glorious summer day on a recent camping trip. I can't remember the last time I climbed a tree. I think that's why he ran for the phone to take a picture. I treasure this image.</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2017 was massive. We moved house again, I worked way too much and the end of the year saw me really struggling. Healthwise, from chronic stress and just exhausted. Partly things were catching up with me. I am still dealing with the fallout from a betrayal of trust that means I am unable to provide my son with the stability he needs and we are looking at a very different future as a result. It's big stuff.</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But I refuse to live life all bitter and angry. I have seen what that does to a person. No thanks!</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We had a fabulous Christmas. I was dreading Christmas afternoon by myself but it turned out to be perfect. I had two naps, a long walk on the beach with the dog and read an entire book. I took the last week off work and feel rested for the first time in a long time. So good!</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am sitting here in our little house looking out over the ocean and thinking about how things have changed, re-evaluating plans and allowing myself to dream a little.</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our dining table has been taken over by my sewing machine and various creative projects - such creative chaos is always a good sign. We have a piece of card with a huge 2018 written on it. Next to it is a jar of colour pencils. We're jotting down intention words for the year as we think of them. The plan is to put it up on our pinboard. I'm loving the process.</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy New Year everyone. May the year bring all good things to you and your people.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />anissa ljantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03037312457171874579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171440954937740079.post-75466518005687187142017-12-21T23:22:00.002-08:002017-12-22T00:55:36.517-08:00A different kind of Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dTbozChYuAo/WjyvcxHytII/AAAAAAAAIow/qK2pZCzD9PI5y9zcq5hQKAPNeXDXIYg3wCLcBGAs/s1600/20171222_150501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dTbozChYuAo/WjyvcxHytII/AAAAAAAAIow/qK2pZCzD9PI5y9zcq5hQKAPNeXDXIYg3wCLcBGAs/s400/20171222_150501.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">I used to despise Christmas. I was uncomfortable with the consumerist hijack of a religious holiday and the societal pressure to have your Christmas look like a Hallmark card. I was sensitive to the highlighting of poverty as people stretched to achieve some shiny capitalist dream. Then I had a child and the magic of the season wormed it’s way into our lives. Sound familiar?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">I made my peace by integrating meaningful traditions into our Christmas and holding the focus on appreciating and being with those we love. We make presents and decorations, give away peppermint bark and sugar cookies, pimp our tree and laugh our way through Christmas music (thank goodness for the Pogue’s Fairytale of New York). We do an act of service for our local mission, though this year that has fallen off the list. Things have changed. These last two years have been more about survival than celebration. We qualify for charity rather than giving it. And something weird has happened. This morning I found myself oddly wishing for the Hallmark card version of the Christmas dream. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">The only presents under my tree are for my son. They are from me. He visits friend’s houses and sees the piles of gifts from friends, cousins, grandparents and I see the questions in his eyes. We’re not a materialistic family but in years past our tree looked like that too. &nbsp;The reasons for the slim pickings under our tree are many. A few years ago we made the decision to give presents just for the kids, some of our people are really into zero waste living, some are mentally ill, or live too far away, or live in a caravan on a benefit. I imagine that some go to his dad’s house now. This is all just life. But it’s hard to explain to a child or even adjust to as the grown up. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">I have single mama friends whose kids will be getting $10 gifts and pizza on the beach on Christmas Day. Those kids don’t know how to ride bikes or had swimming lessons because their mama can’t afford them. Sometimes their mama cries at night because she doesn’t know how she will fill their lunchboxes. Those kids may not have bikes but there is so much love in that family it beams out of them. I have another single mama friend who is living in a tent with her two kids. Again, love beams out of that tent like crazy. My friends are awesome. Their kids are lucky in many ways. But living hand to mouth with no financial buffer takes its toll on a person. It gives a person a certain look. I saw that look in many women’s eyes at Pak n Save today and I see it in the waiting room at WINZ. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">I have a suggestion. If you want to do an act of service this Christmas buy a gift card from a supermarket or a pressie card and pop it in a single mama’s letterbox. Little things like that can make a huge difference. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">I bought myself a gift and will put it under our tree on Christmas Eve. (It’s a couture linen sundress I found at the opshop and I can’t wait to open it). Next year I must remember to give my boy some money so he can do his own Christmas shopping. I am new at this. I am not sure how this two-person Christmas thing goes. There is something about Christmas that puts everything crappy under a big spotlight. That stress on top of having to work too much, the emotional fallout of betrayal, financial strain, the aftermath of moving house (again), uncertainty about the future…it all adds up to a bone deep exhaustion in me that no amount of coffee or cheesy Christmas music is alleviating.<i> &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">This year my son’s dad picks him up at 11 and for the rest of Christmas I will be alone. For many years I chose this. As a young radical living overseas it was easy to step out of the Christmas thing. This year it is not from choice. That feels vastly different. Asking around I have discovered that there are other single parents who are childless and with no family around who are alone over the holidays too. We’re thinking of convening an orphans Christmas picnic on the beach.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">I don’t want to be available for the phone calls from my son who will be with Granny and Grandpa, aunts and uncles and cousins. There is no longer a place for me there, and that saddens me. It was not my choice. But I will take the phone call and I will make it a good one. That’s what mothers do. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">We’ll make the most of our Christmas Eve together. It will be the two of us and it will be fabulous. &nbsp;I love being with my boy. We have a feast planned. I'm cooking. He’s in charge of dessert and rolling his eyes at my choice of music.&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>anissa ljantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03037312457171874579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171440954937740079.post-51944221343501933802017-11-15T00:22:00.002-08:002017-11-15T00:22:50.862-08:00Counting blessings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iCCktUUglf8/Wgv206IIsdI/AAAAAAAAIoc/AlMVco6_Ncw5aTgRgU81G2SOLvEROT2uQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170806_134745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iCCktUUglf8/Wgv206IIsdI/AAAAAAAAIoc/AlMVco6_Ncw5aTgRgU81G2SOLvEROT2uQCLcBGAs/s400/20170806_134745.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;In our last moving house episode I unearthed this cup. It was mine when I was a girl.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It used to be stained on the inside from Ribena - does anyone remember that stuff? We loved it and I remember clearly the day my mum figured out that despite what the packaging said, Ribena wasn't good for us at all. Looking back I see mama guilt all over her face. Who was to know?! It was the age of cheese slices and fish fingers.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, I love this faded piece of my childhood. We're big on gratitude around here and the cup is a good reminder to count my blessings.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Has anyone done a daily practice of gratitude? The science is out. It's <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/amymorin/2014/11/23/7-scientifically-proven-benefits-of-gratitude-that-will-motivate-you-to-give-thanks-year-round/#5f837d7d183c" target="_blank">darn good for us!</a>&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JY5habBpPgc/Wgv25sizJXI/AAAAAAAAIog/D27-xu1aVR0DmkJ0UFT3vn89XbLJGCeEACLcBGAs/s1600/20170806_134753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JY5habBpPgc/Wgv25sizJXI/AAAAAAAAIog/D27-xu1aVR0DmkJ0UFT3vn89XbLJGCeEACLcBGAs/s400/20170806_134753.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />anissa ljantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03037312457171874579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171440954937740079.post-64556850225631377532017-10-08T20:07:00.002-07:002017-10-08T20:07:55.682-07:00Lamb duties<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gVsUcfMireA/WdrmJkMBsxI/AAAAAAAAIoE/Gn-Egerw2dA_4tWjLbwsWmtnS7Jvl0FOACLcBGAs/s1600/20171006_162517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gVsUcfMireA/WdrmJkMBsxI/AAAAAAAAIoE/Gn-Egerw2dA_4tWjLbwsWmtnS7Jvl0FOACLcBGAs/s320/20171006_162517.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nothing says spring like lambs. We are on lamb duty while friends were away. We first met Pia when she was a day old. Her mum had abandoned her and she spent her first month living in a house and coming on walks to the beach with us all. Pia is in the paddock with some grown up sheep now but I don't think she has realised she is a sheep yet. She well and truly imprinted on humans. She is very sweet and we've been enjoying the cuddles. I felt bad as I broke her bottle on the first day. But we improvised and I hauled a wine bottle out of the recycling bin. It works better than the original, though probably isn't a great look. So great to live rurally yet in reach of the beach and city.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hope your weekend was a good one. x</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yUv0F9YvFFg/WdrmLHbXU5I/AAAAAAAAIoI/QZb-WKNLjvkquaM4Ea7_xWd0jk3eYrSrQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171007_164102%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yUv0F9YvFFg/WdrmLHbXU5I/AAAAAAAAIoI/QZb-WKNLjvkquaM4Ea7_xWd0jk3eYrSrQCLcBGAs/s320/20171007_164102%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hwPYBcdx33Q/WdrmMr5otJI/AAAAAAAAIoM/Brv58VS1HnsHtaFYt59iTskMe50TAJ_IACLcBGAs/s1600/20171006_163556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hwPYBcdx33Q/WdrmMr5otJI/AAAAAAAAIoM/Brv58VS1HnsHtaFYt59iTskMe50TAJ_IACLcBGAs/s320/20171006_163556.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />anissa ljantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03037312457171874579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171440954937740079.post-76833997509867721322017-10-01T00:52:00.000-07:002017-10-01T00:52:41.846-07:00Expectations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K0GoHvGcvi8/WdCa8l3LinI/AAAAAAAAInw/T5XWuZdUXk0AKa7HpIipMUkj2bANPIjuQCLcBGAs/s1600/071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K0GoHvGcvi8/WdCa8l3LinI/AAAAAAAAInw/T5XWuZdUXk0AKa7HpIipMUkj2bANPIjuQCLcBGAs/s400/071.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We've had the craziest of weather lately. Hail, wild winds, rain, rain and more rain. The tiniest bit of warmth and peek of sunshine and everyone is all smiles and so grateful. Last summer we hardly swam at our beach because the weather was crap and the wind kept us at the waterfall or the streams. Fingers crossed for a good summer this year.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today I had plans to go to the Coatesville market to see the lovely Rhiannon from <a href="http://toastclothingdressedition.bigcartel.com/about" target="_blank">Toast Clothing Studio</a> but a combination of migraine, the aforementioned super crap weather and a kid who just wanted to curl up on the couch with hot water bottles, his book and Xbox meant we didn't leave the house. I made my peace with that about 2o'clock and managed to ease into the day.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I tried out a new recipe, drank many cups of tea, finished a job application, worked on a project I'm about to launch, and fondled some fabric in anticipation of a summer sewing project. It's been so long since we had a lazy Sunday. I even squeezed in some writing time. Once I let go of expectations about the day, it was perfect.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oab4KdgbiK4/WdCbBPgu8GI/AAAAAAAAIn0/EDcKMuhOgnkv6GM4n1p924KpW4yiAUX_ACLcBGAs/s1600/073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oab4KdgbiK4/WdCbBPgu8GI/AAAAAAAAIn0/EDcKMuhOgnkv6GM4n1p924KpW4yiAUX_ACLcBGAs/s400/073.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />anissa ljantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03037312457171874579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171440954937740079.post-57284653490626396322017-09-24T20:02:00.001-07:002017-09-24T20:02:44.214-07:00Hot Springs <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b_giwwdgkas/Wchti_IFySI/AAAAAAAAInQ/nEd7eHumxIYuSInyUUwFY5tpWqu_jwl5wCLcBGAs/s1600/20170923_173518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b_giwwdgkas/Wchti_IFySI/AAAAAAAAInQ/nEd7eHumxIYuSInyUUwFY5tpWqu_jwl5wCLcBGAs/s320/20170923_173518.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The boy and I just went on a roadie to some hot springs. We rented a cabin and it was one of those decorated in the seventies with formica and lino and that particular shade of orange that screams 'seventies'.</span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">&nbsp;It was perfect. It was an unschooler gathering and some very good friends were there. Such a treat to have the whole weekend together. And a total bonus to meet some fab new folks. Including yurt and bus dwellers. It brought memories back listening to the stories.</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">We:</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- saw the best rainbow ever over the marquee one evening.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- consumed several hundred dollars worth of fish and chips on election night.</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- commiserated together on the election results (worse than my internal worse case scenario - BOO).</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- marinated in hot pools for many hours. Such a luxury to be able to jump in whenever we wanted to!</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I even got to read a book. (I know. 'Free wifi' on their website turned out to be 100 MB so the idea of getting any work done went out the window.)</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There were issues. I forgot my cafetiere - so had to resort to turkish but didn't have the right grind so yeah...had to sieve the coffee through my teeth. Then walked around with coffee grinds between my teeth most of the first day. Always a good way to make new friends. And I learnt that it's hard to navigate while driving - even with the techest of tech to support the journey - but we recovered and were plotting our next adventure on the drive home. Good times. Which were needed. The last few months have been doozy's.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yay for weekends away!</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7HgbIOSCinQ/WchtlWa6eSI/AAAAAAAAInU/Oe6uCW12CkohlKPAiOBmfLIv6DpXiv8OQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170923_171517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7HgbIOSCinQ/WchtlWa6eSI/AAAAAAAAInU/Oe6uCW12CkohlKPAiOBmfLIv6DpXiv8OQCLcBGAs/s320/20170923_171517.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HPRnk5nFkfk/Wchtm3OMyJI/AAAAAAAAInY/erNu74_nwogH1riEsPYkA0IRdPkrR_vWgCLcBGAs/s1600/20170923_173453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HPRnk5nFkfk/Wchtm3OMyJI/AAAAAAAAInY/erNu74_nwogH1riEsPYkA0IRdPkrR_vWgCLcBGAs/s320/20170923_173453.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br />anissa ljantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03037312457171874579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171440954937740079.post-3982741221590472852017-09-14T23:46:00.001-07:002017-09-14T23:46:42.686-07:00Being an ally to a child with anxiety<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O7D6uXlyKVw/Wbtai-RsQlI/AAAAAAAAInA/wocm7SEDztskurogq2dFD9uBoHz2FWBQACLcBGAs/s1600/20161231_084717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O7D6uXlyKVw/Wbtai-RsQlI/AAAAAAAAInA/wocm7SEDztskurogq2dFD9uBoHz2FWBQACLcBGAs/s400/20161231_084717.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do any of you follow Lucy on her Lulastic and the Hippyshake blog? I bet some you do! It's pretty cool over there. Well, Lucy has started up a website (and a movement!) called Parent Allies.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I wrote a thing for it. I checked with my son before confirming I would do it. He contributed the last section. It's pretty important stuff. You might like to have a read, or forward the link to a friend or family member?&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lucy just got a message from someone who read it and her words just made my day. That's the ultimate - to share our story and what we've learnt so that others walking similar paths may benefit.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Messages like that are why I do what I do. xx</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here's the link:</span><br /><a href="http://parentallies.org/parenting/how-to-be-an-ally-to-a-child-with-anxiety/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How to be an ally to a child with anxiety</span></a><br /><br />anissa ljantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03037312457171874579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171440954937740079.post-55150835401277973332017-09-12T03:11:00.000-07:002017-09-12T03:21:29.052-07:00Marriage in Australia - vote yes for love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dLtfYC6OJsM/WbexxQxYvJI/AAAAAAAAImw/5PB87nLPHiozYu1cy4ebyRXAZ2rRL8wIQCLcBGAs/s1600/marriage%2Bvote%2Bsydney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dLtfYC6OJsM/WbexxQxYvJI/AAAAAAAAImw/5PB87nLPHiozYu1cy4ebyRXAZ2rRL8wIQCLcBGAs/s400/marriage%2Bvote%2Bsydney.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">I was in Sydney for work last week. The UK office made a wee (understandable) mistake in booking the hotel so it was an hour’s walk into the office every morning. It was a welcome bit of exercise and fresh air in days full of meetings and air conditioning. They were good meetings, with fabulous people and for a great cause. But still, airconditioned buildings. NZ has been grey and wet for months so even glances of the Australian blue sky were welcome. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">On my walks into the city I talked with people at lights, got to look around, drank in the different bird sounds and smells. The topic I heard discussed most was the upcoming postal vote to legalise gay marriage. (Which on further investigation is the Australian government spending $122 million on a survey on the topic.) It is astonishing to me that this is even an issue. In my world, love is just love. Gender constructs come in later. I am queer and I suppose that helps my understanding but I have to wonder, do these people opposing gay marriage not know anyone gay? I find that hard to believe. How do you face up to your postman, boss, colleague, friend or family member and tell them you don’t think they should be allowed to get married? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">Overhearing snippets of discussion about gay marriage from different people as I moved around Sydney I had to wonder what year we’re living in. I marvel that legalising gay marriage is even a question. Intimate same sex relationships have been around for gazillions of years – shouldn’t marriage just be marriage? Not allowing people to marry who they love is one of those periods in history humans will look back on and be amazed by. Can we just do the right thing and get on arresting climate change and working out how not to shoot each other please?<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />anissa ljantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03037312457171874579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171440954937740079.post-2307009269148485372017-09-07T02:43:00.000-07:002017-09-07T02:43:22.920-07:00What I realised in Sydney<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdGFMlDfGXA/WbEUInjuwkI/AAAAAAAAImM/XPJg_Vv7__s9LXxw5f_alOQ-qeT_u9i8gCLcBGAs/s1600/Sydney%2Bfeet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdGFMlDfGXA/WbEUInjuwkI/AAAAAAAAImM/XPJg_Vv7__s9LXxw5f_alOQ-qeT_u9i8gCLcBGAs/s320/Sydney%2Bfeet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the first day of walking to the office and to meetings in the city my feet really hurt. Three days &nbsp;of epic city walking I have massive blisters on the soles of my feet. I realised something. I spend most of my time barefoot. I work from home most of the time and go into the city for meetings and events and the occasional blast in an inner city office, but most of the time I am either barefoot or in gumboots.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I walk a lot. My son and I walk the dog on our beach most days…but the ground is somewhat forgiving. Sand and soil kind of shock absorb and give way a bit under your weight. Concrete and cobblestones not so much. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So yeah. It’s a combination of distance covered, hard surfaces and well, actually wearing shoes for 12-hour chunks nonstop. Sigh. Country cousin come to the city. And ow. And UGLY! I don’t get the ‘unsightly bulge’ thing…except this one…one foot looks alien. Before you ask, no. No close up photos. I wouldn’t do that to you!</span><o:p></o:p></div>anissa ljantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03037312457171874579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171440954937740079.post-50572267041572293132017-08-19T00:58:00.000-07:002017-08-21T02:04:54.165-07:00A real life honest dating profile<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PC8gbEwIK70/WZfuuwfl-BI/AAAAAAAAIl0/_uL2PbmHvz8_kagwKeszSUr7S36mis6pACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG1184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PC8gbEwIK70/WZfuuwfl-BI/AAAAAAAAIl0/_uL2PbmHvz8_kagwKeszSUr7S36mis6pACLcBGAs/s320/IMG1184.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><i></i><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><i></i><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><i>My neighbour has been online dating like a beast. Not that I'm looking but she’s been egging me on to do the same but I just can’t do it.&nbsp;</i></span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><i>Besides, if I were wrote an&nbsp;honest dating profile it might look like this:</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Ageing feminist seeks maverick cohort</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">I am a writer with a wicked sense of humour who loves long walks on the beach and sedate bike rides. On Saturdays I might be found at the farmers' market with friends, at a protest or rally, giving a workshop, working in the garden, making bread, sewing or writing. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">When I asked friends what words popped up when they thought of me they said: generous, courageous, deep-listener, wanderer, resourceful, thinker, intelligent, grounded, natural, kind and wholehearted. (So far, so good, right?)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">I am an introvert with extrovert leanings. I love a party and can be the life of it, but mostly will be having an intense conversation with one person in a corner. After a busy conference, festival or giving a workshop, I may need to stare at a blank wall for 24 hours to recover.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">I am older than I look and come with a warning. I wear makeup and shave my underarms, legs and bikini line but didn’t for twenty years and could revert to the aforementioned makeup-less and hairy state at any moment. You need to be cool with that. Ideally you’d be attracted to me, not my body hair, or lack of it. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">Hopefully you won’t freak out when I hand over my reusable cup for takeaway coffee or pack my groceries in cloth shopping bags. Perhaps you have your own? That would be cute. We could match.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">Due to the lottery that is genetics, I am on the slender side of curvy but it’s not from strenuous exercise. I’m not a fan. I have an active lifestyle, enjoy going on walks and do yoga but won’t be accompanying you on 12 mile runs or training for any marathons. I am equally ambivalent about activewear. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">My friends also called me stylish. I get that from my Nana, who never left the house without her pearls and lipstick. For years I have sourced my clothes from op shops, trademe or make them myself because I don’t want to be part of a throw-away fashion world and frankly, buying new is both boring and out of my price range. Ethical is where the future is at. Call me an early adopter. Oh yes...and you won’t mind about the four boxes that contain my fabric stash under the bed. Or late night frantic sewing sessions that involve loud music and swearing. You might even be a compulsive creative yourself? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">In my work life, I am a kick ass professional in the not-for-profit world. Or a social change agent, depending on whose asking. That means I work that ass off for a modest wage. I sleep well at night and love my work but I won’t be booking any overseas holidays this winter. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">Oh. And I come as a package deal. I have an awesome son. Who is homeschooled. Oh, I can hear people scattering! But wait. There’s more. And did I mention the little dog, toothless ancient rescue cat, the ducks and the rabbit? If you are attached to your laptop cord or phone charger, don’t leave it lying around, one of us will chew it. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">Yeah. Get more cats you say? Maybe so. I was just getting started.</span></div>anissa ljantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03037312457171874579noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171440954937740079.post-1533490358131453622017-07-22T05:33:00.000-07:002017-07-22T05:45:02.351-07:00School holidays rantypants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rx5Mw7MOAOc/WXNEdMPFWYI/AAAAAAAAIlg/nZrkbhmm_I4oCWRxMcgjZu2dCShsrZVrgCLcBGAs/s1600/20170513_154623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rx5Mw7MOAOc/WXNEdMPFWYI/AAAAAAAAIlg/nZrkbhmm_I4oCWRxMcgjZu2dCShsrZVrgCLcBGAs/s400/20170513_154623.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">My son and I were talking about different parenting styles today. The conversation grew out of overhearing two mamas at the mall. Their kids were all within earshot while they commiserated about how hard the school holidays were and how they couldn’t wait for the little monsters to go back to school. Jed couldn’t believe they said that in front of their children. Me neither. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">I asked him how he would feel if he overheard his parent saying how you couldn’t wait for the school holidays to be over etc. He said he would be looking to be adopted. With a twinkle in his eye. Later that day a friend pointed out that there are loads of articles around with titles like How to survive the school holidays and What to do with the terrors for two weeks. I hadn’t even noticed. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">I understand that the change in routine and extra noise, mess and expectation of giving the kids a good time can be hard. It’s challenging to take time off work and/or organise playdates for days on end. I really get that. Kids have a way of knowing where all our buttons are and in the process of getting their needs met or expressing discontent, they know how to push them. Repeatedly. And with vigour. And this parenting milarky is not a walk in the park, I get that. It’s freaking hard work at times. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">But I also get that kids want to feel connected with their parents and look forward to the holidays and having more time with their families and friends. I imagine it must be hard for many kids to hear that mama or papa is gutted that they’ll be around. I have seen little lit up faces darken and fall on hearing comments like we overheard. It just makes me feel sad. I mean, adults wouldn’t talk to other adults like that. Well, not in front of them. Why do adults do it to kids? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">I am big on being honest. Kids are bullshit radars, if I am smiling and saying ‘yay holidays’ but inside am thinking ‘holy crap, this is going to be 2 weeks of hell’ my kid is going to be onto me. There’s an internal shift that needs to happen there. I’m not saying we can’t download our woes with our pals or turn to wine or chocolate – those are all good things. I just want to put out a plea to be a bit more mindful about how to take care of all our hearts. Especially those little ones<i>. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">It makes me glad that Lucy of Lulastic and the Hippyshake blog has launched the Parent Allies website. You can check it out <a href="http://parentallies.org/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Yay for Lucy! </span><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>anissa ljantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03037312457171874579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171440954937740079.post-23549899032485688352017-07-18T04:23:00.001-07:002017-07-18T04:23:06.621-07:00An epic day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kfEHBoGvmxk/WW3lWTvJ5uI/AAAAAAAAIlM/l_vR-cXxR-kltyeETdYK-9Gy7cRmc5A4wCLcBGAs/s1600/Phoenix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kfEHBoGvmxk/WW3lWTvJ5uI/AAAAAAAAIlM/l_vR-cXxR-kltyeETdYK-9Gy7cRmc5A4wCLcBGAs/s400/Phoenix.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had big plans for a road trip up north to see dear friends. I got as far as packing but life had other ideas. Gah! I had to be a grown up and prioritise important things like viewing a new house, appointments and work deadlines instead.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The trip will happen sometime but for now, we are free to catch up with friends and go on adventures around here.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday we had 10 kids and 3 mama's here for the day. It was epic. The word feral comes to mind, in a really good way. The fire was on, there was rope swing action and rock climbing, the great eel chase and the kids figured out an old paddling pool made a great coracle to paddle around the swimming hole. &nbsp;Later we took the older lot down to the beach to run wild awhile and I bumped into the lovely Leigh from <a href="http://2girls1orca1pukeko.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">Life in our Busy Household</a> with the boys on the path to the beach. Perfect.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would live on a piece of land with that lot. Easy!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tLqB6wE0pss/WW3lcnTZOqI/AAAAAAAAIlQ/vmxvzdTlGqsQeMSQi0vkv5DM_ry2g_wJwCLcBGAs/s1600/Up%2Bhigh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tLqB6wE0pss/WW3lcnTZOqI/AAAAAAAAIlQ/vmxvzdTlGqsQeMSQi0vkv5DM_ry2g_wJwCLcBGAs/s400/Up%2Bhigh.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />anissa ljantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03037312457171874579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171440954937740079.post-39183719514397298572017-07-15T02:29:00.000-07:002017-07-15T02:29:21.845-07:00Blurry guavas and slumpy creatives<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7SshB-qjfZI/WWnbyf9AKII/AAAAAAAAIkw/WY8oh0mfYic7ExTLtDqaUxxoIVlbbGHRACLcBGAs/s1600/20170622_113658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7SshB-qjfZI/WWnbyf9AKII/AAAAAAAAIkw/WY8oh0mfYic7ExTLtDqaUxxoIVlbbGHRACLcBGAs/s400/20170622_113658.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />It's been a great guava season and not much else great happening. Even the ports on my laptop are fried so I am reduced to taking photos on my phone. Hence the blurry guava. Gah.<br />I have to-do lists in every room. That's never a good sign! But. What is good? I am better. I got slammed by the flu and then bronchitis and other stuff and it was WEEKS before I could get through a day without collapsing into bed. The dog sulked because there were no good walks. I got home from driving my boy around, (when I really should have been in bed), to a care package of soup and bread and healing brews and loveliness from a friend. That was super good! Care packages are the best.<br /><br />And there's other super hard stuff going on. Like, not knowing where we were going to be living in a few months time. You know, life stuff. It's delivered some doozies lately.<br /><br />Have you been following along with <a href="http://meetmeatmikes.com/?s=slump" target="_blank">Pip's School for Slumpy Creatives</a>? Gold. That woman is gold.<br />She's been having a hard time lately and I have too. So refreshing to hear people be honest about where they're at. Go Pip! We'll get through. Homemade guava jelly on toast helps. So do friends and walks on the beach. Onwards and upwards I say. x<br /><br />In case you need it, here is more Pip:&nbsp;<a href="http://meetmeatmikes.com/20-things-to-do-when-you-are-feeling-slumpy/" target="_blank">20 Things to do when you are feeling slumpy.</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DRJDtIzFMTE/WWnb4i02Z-I/AAAAAAAAIk0/OzDoc_m6BLoDHlqYgSY-02Dc5mZzJBVUQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170622_113704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DRJDtIzFMTE/WWnb4i02Z-I/AAAAAAAAIk0/OzDoc_m6BLoDHlqYgSY-02Dc5mZzJBVUQCLcBGAs/s400/20170622_113704.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wg8VgRfsa2g/WWnb-MrwVwI/AAAAAAAAIk4/LkhygOq10-knnwtpGArAHu0bQrpCCn-HQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170622_113722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wg8VgRfsa2g/WWnb-MrwVwI/AAAAAAAAIk4/LkhygOq10-knnwtpGArAHu0bQrpCCn-HQCLcBGAs/s400/20170622_113722.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />anissa ljantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03037312457171874579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171440954937740079.post-1664054642642107342017-06-19T00:15:00.001-07:002017-06-19T22:22:38.599-07:00A single mama sort of birthday <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nWL7AWSMIkk/WUdqTEr5SYI/AAAAAAAAIkg/NP9eODciZVY8y7GUECKRpTG8W1RoV1gSwCLcBGAs/s1600/100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nWL7AWSMIkk/WUdqTEr5SYI/AAAAAAAAIkg/NP9eODciZVY8y7GUECKRpTG8W1RoV1gSwCLcBGAs/s320/100.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">Oh my goodness, how to respond to the lovely texts saying they hoped I was spoiled rotten for my birthday today?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">My lovelies, I am a single mama. There was no breakfast in bed, no gifts, no cake, no sleep in. Hell, there wasn’t even a Happy Birthday spoken out loud for a good few hours. No kisses, no hugs. There were some lovely texts and I haven't gone near my facebook timeline yet and I am sure there is some deliciousness in there.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">I spent 2 hours in rush hour traffic this morning, trying to get to an appointment with my&nbsp;fabulous lawyer only to turn around and come home as my boy had been feeling increasingly crap on the way in. He was being stoic but turns out he has the flu. I couldn’t even stop and pick up supplies to make a nice dinner.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">The rest today I worked, worked some more, mopped sweaty brows, did all the fetching and carrying that mama’s of sick kiddos do, fed wood to the fire and looked for a new job and a new rental house for us. I also priced storage units in case I end up having to put our things in storage and live at the local campground until we find a place to live. (Rentals are rare here - being a seaside community, so many are on Air bnb now.)&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">I think the highlight of my day was taking a nap in a patch of winter sun. Let's not underestimate the goodness and rejuvenating power of naps but s</span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">o far this cycle around the sun is a bit bleak.</span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">&nbsp;I did save up and buy myself a little bag from the TradeAid store in the weekend but spoiled? Far from it.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">That's okay. Crappy times in life overlap with birthdays sometimes and I am grateful for a great many things. Many of them simple joys. But those add up don't you think? There is a very cute dog flopped out over my feet as I type. That winter sun is still pouring through the window. I managed to scrounge the ingredients to make a caramelised onion tart for dinner. My kid is old enough to be largely independent even when sick - this is new. And I am looking forward to sitting by the fireside writing later this evening. Wish me luck. x</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><i>Note: Just after I had posted this yesterday evening my son's dad (and friend!) came by with a few very thoughtful gifts. It's not about the presents. I know that. But it was super nice.&nbsp;</i></span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><i>Also, I know many women have crap birthdays and mother's days even when they do have a partner - that is even lonelier. I reckon it's up to us to look out for each other and plan something special for ourselves. Even if it's a scrounged ingredient caramelised onion tart and the end of a bottle of wine found languishing in the fridge consumed in between bouts of holding a bowl for your child to throw up in! Starhawk had a great quote in one of her novels, and it has always stuck with me, <b>'Happiness is not in the circumstances, but how we meet them'</b>. Hard to remember sometimes and obviously not a quote to lean on in times of trauma but I find it useful in wonderful messy everyday life.&nbsp;</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br />anissa ljantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03037312457171874579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171440954937740079.post-50363797070965604092017-06-11T03:11:00.001-07:002017-06-11T03:11:49.936-07:00Farmers market mornings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9sKSvdkuyPU/WT0TvC7EEeI/AAAAAAAAIkM/Ign-JCFdZqAXYhuAmct1VzsyuLecDmsswCLcB/s1600/winter%2Bfruit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9sKSvdkuyPU/WT0TvC7EEeI/AAAAAAAAIkM/Ign-JCFdZqAXYhuAmct1VzsyuLecDmsswCLcB/s400/winter%2Bfruit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">This rainbow of winter fruit and vegetables at the farmers market made me so happy. You can't beat freshly picked local produce.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">I have plenty of greens and fruit from our place at the moment. Kale, celery and chickweed are abundant, we're on the last of the feijoa's, I've made two batches of guava jelly already and the oranges are just about ripe. I had a craving for radishes though, and the market did not disappoint.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Love those market mornings sitting in the sun with friends.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">xxx</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V2Katesj2z4/WT0T6tcuu0I/AAAAAAAAIkQ/yWwgxthBW0oL9yIMzWUGuuX-2YnaW38egCLcB/s1600/20170610_105341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V2Katesj2z4/WT0T6tcuu0I/AAAAAAAAIkQ/yWwgxthBW0oL9yIMzWUGuuX-2YnaW38egCLcB/s400/20170610_105341.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />anissa ljantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03037312457171874579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171440954937740079.post-34912697543349600142017-06-07T00:53:00.000-07:002017-06-07T00:56:14.911-07:00Be nourished - sauerkraut goodness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5CtpZ4bEfCk/WTejLOR59MI/AAAAAAAAIj4/butEDCd_BY0-X9cPTQzKNx1NDQguhcZagCLcB/s1600/P1000345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5CtpZ4bEfCk/WTejLOR59MI/AAAAAAAAIj4/butEDCd_BY0-X9cPTQzKNx1NDQguhcZagCLcB/s400/P1000345.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Last week I submitted my final contributions as Editorial Assistant to <a href="https://organicnz.org.nz/" target="_blank">Organic NZ Magazine</a> and wrapped up my Web Content work for NZ Soil &amp; Health - the publisher of ONZ Magazine. One of the competitions I organised&nbsp;for this upcoming issue of the magazine was for a bumper pack of Be Nourished sauerkraut, kimchi and juice. Be sure to get a copy of the mag so you can enter the competition because let me tell you, those Be Nourished folks know how to make superb sauerkraut. I have tasted sauerkraut made by the famous fermentologist, Sandor Katz, back when he lived at Short Mountain in Tennessee and so consider myself learned in such things. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(If any of you are in West Auckland, my friend Bella also makes an amazing kraut.)</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Jo Nolan founded and runs Be Nourished and she&nbsp;is doing an amazing job. I have been following Be Nourished progress ever since they launched and its so cool to see it flourish.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Imagine my excitement when this lovely box of sauerkraut goodness arrived on my doorstep! Thank you&nbsp;Jo. We've been having taste tests with houseguests. I have been wanting to try the Ruby Perfection and it's sooo&nbsp;very good. The kimchi too. Such a treat. Try some. Great for a probiotic fermenty sort of a winter boost.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">My favourite&nbsp;fast food lunch is an avocado halved and served in it's skin, a heaping of sauerkraut with a drizzle of tahini, a touch of olive oil and oven roasted tamari sunflower seeds on top. Give it a go! I'd love to hear your favourite&nbsp;way to eat sauerkraut (other than straight out of the jar x)</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yfkk1Jb7UPw/WTejNeLQJjI/AAAAAAAAIj8/MJT2PZyZytcFanaJ1w8qD0hDtM2nUwJIgCLcB/s1600/P1000350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yfkk1Jb7UPw/WTejNeLQJjI/AAAAAAAAIj8/MJT2PZyZytcFanaJ1w8qD0hDtM2nUwJIgCLcB/s400/P1000350.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />anissa ljantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03037312457171874579noreply@blogger.com0